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HUBG vs JBHT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Hub Group, Inc. (HUBG) vs. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HUBG is a smaller, asset-light intermodal and logistics provider, while JBHT is one of North America's largest diversified freight transportation companies.
- Recent relative performance has diverged sharply: JBHT shares have outpaced the broader market over the past 52 weeks, while HUBG has lagged significantly.
- HUBG's sentiment has been pressured by a $77 million expense restatement and softer freight demand; JBHT has shown resilient earnings growth through cost discipline and share repurchases.
- JBHT offers scale and diversification across five operating segments, whereas HUBG is more concentrated in intermodal and logistics services.
- Both companies remain sensitive to the cyclical freight market, but their risk profiles and market positioning differ materially.
Introduction
Investors tracking the North American freight and logistics sector often weigh specialized providers against diversified transportation giants. HUBG, the parent of Hub Group, and JBHT, the parent of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, sit at different ends of that spectrum. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and investors seeking to understand how scale, segment mix, earnings quality, and recent catalysts shape relative performance. Both companies compete in intermodal (the movement of freight using a combination of rail and truck), yet their business models, balance-sheet profiles, and market positioning create meaningful trade-offs. This article examines recent developments, sentiment shifts, and observable momentum factors for each name.
HUBG Overview and Recent Performance
Hub Group, Inc. is a supply chain solutions provider offering intermodal transportation, truck brokerage, and logistics management services primarily across North America. With a market capitalization near $2 billion, HUBG operates a leaner, largely asset-light model that relies on rail partnerships and a network of third-party carriers.
Recent market activity has been challenging for HUBG. The stock has traded well below its 52-week high and has underperformed the broader market over the past year, reflecting soft freight demand and muted revenue growth. Sentiment was further tested in recent weeks after the company disclosed a $77 million understatement of purchased transportation expenses, prompting restatements for the first three quarters of 2025 and a review of prior periods. While management reaffirmed its revenue outlook, the accounting correction raised questions about internal controls. On the positive side, some sell-side analysts have maintained constructive ratings, citing valuation and intermodal positioning as the freight cycle stabilizes. Net-net, HUBG's recent price behavior has been dominated by earnings quality concerns and a still-uncertain demand environment.
JBHT Overview and Recent Performance
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is among the largest surface transportation and logistics providers in the United States, with a market capitalization of roughly $21 billion. The company operates five segments: Intermodal (JBI), Dedicated Contract Services (DCS), Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS), Final Mile Services (FMS), and Truckload (JBT). This diversification differentiates JBHT from more specialized freight competitors.
Recent quarters have shown JBHT translating a relatively flat freight backdrop into earnings progress. In its most recent quarterly report, revenue edged lower year over year while operating income and diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose double digits, aided by network efficiency gains and cost-to-serve initiatives. The company also completed substantial share repurchases and raised its quarterly dividend, signaling confidence in cash generation. Over the past 52 weeks, JBHT has outperformed the S&P 500, even as segments such as Final Mile Services and Intermodal faced demand softness and pricing pressure. The stock's relative strength reflects improving margins and disciplined capital returns rather than robust top-line growth.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names is scale and diversification. JBHT generates roughly $12 billion in annual revenue across five segments, giving it multiple demand drivers and a more defensive mix through long-term dedicated contracts. HUBG, with annual revenue under $4 billion, is more concentrated in intermodal and logistics, making it more sensitive to rail pricing and freight-rate swings.
Growth drivers also differ. JBHT has leaned on productivity gains, highway-to-rail conversion, and cost-to-serve reductions to lift profitability even as revenue stagnates. HUBG is pursuing intermodal volume growth and logistics efficiency, but its accounting restatement has temporarily shifted the narrative toward controls and transparency.
On risk, HUBG faces elevated governance and earnings-quality scrutiny alongside a heavier relative drawdown. JBHT carries a higher absolute debt load and weaker liquidity coverage, but its scale and recurring contract revenue provide stability. In terms of market sentiment, JBHT has enjoyed clearly stronger momentum and analyst conviction, while HUBG trades at a lower valuation but with more uncertain near-term catalysts.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor JBHT in the current environment. The stock demonstrates more consistent trend strength, stronger relative performance, and a clearer near-term catalyst set rooted in margin expansion, share repurchases, and a diversified revenue base. HUBG presents a more uncertain picture, with softer momentum and an accounting restatement weighing on sentiment. That said, HUBG's lower valuation and intermodal leverage could become more attractive if the freight cycle inflects and confidence in its financial controls is restored. The AI's preference is best understood as probabilistic and tied to current trend consistency and stability rather than a definitive judgment on either company's long-term value.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is HUBG is a Hold and JBHT is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for HUBG turns positive, indicating new upward trend
HUBG saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 30, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 91 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 65 of the 91 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where HUBG's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 16 of 29 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HUBG just turned positive on October 14, 2026. Looking at past instances where HUBG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
Following a +2.62% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HUBG advanced for three days, in 172 of 279 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HUBG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
HUBG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for HUBG entered a downward trend on November 03, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 56 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.964) is normal, around the industry mean (2.631). P/E Ratio (15.343) is within average values for comparable stocks, (7.628). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.857) is also within normal values, averaging (5.110). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.537) is also within normal values, averaging (2.034).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. HUBG’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 81 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. HUBG’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock worse than average.
JBHT sees its 50-day moving average cross bearishly below its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for JBHT moved below the 200-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 03, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on JBHT as a result. In 66 of 91 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where JBHT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
The Aroon Indicator for JBHT entered a downward trend on October 28, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where JBHT's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 16 of 22 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 36 of 55 cases where JBHT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for JBHT just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where JBHT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 41 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Following a +1.61% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where JBHT advanced for three days, in 189 of 293 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. JBHT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 79 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.769) is normal, around the industry mean (2.631). JBHT has a moderately high P/E Ratio (31.729) as compared to the industry average of (7.628). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.628) is also within normal values, averaging (5.110). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.781) is also within normal values, averaging (2.034).
HUBG | JBHT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 80 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 56 Fair valued | 79 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 59 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 81 | 49 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 78 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 76 | 37 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
HUBG's Valuation (56) in the Air Freight Or Couriers industry is in the same range as JBHT (79) in the Trucking industry. This means that HUBG’s stock grew similarly to JBHT’s over the last 12 months.
JBHT's Profit vs Risk Rating (59) in the Trucking industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HUBG (100) in the Air Freight Or Couriers industry. This means that JBHT’s stock grew somewhat faster than HUBG’s over the last 12 months.
JBHT's SMR Rating (49) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as HUBG (81) in the Air Freight Or Couriers industry. This means that JBHT’s stock grew similarly to HUBG’s over the last 12 months.
JBHT's Price Growth Rating (58) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as HUBG (78) in the Air Freight Or Couriers industry. This means that JBHT’s stock grew similarly to HUBG’s over the last 12 months.
JBHT's P/E Growth Rating (37) in the Trucking industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HUBG (76) in the Air Freight Or Couriers industry. This means that JBHT’s stock grew somewhat faster than HUBG’s over the last 12 months.
| HUBG | JBHT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 3 days ago 73% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 73% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 62% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 17 days ago 69% | 6 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | N/A |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 63% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
HUBG’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while JBHT’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- HUBG’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- JBHT’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
HUBG’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while JBHT’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HUBG’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- JBHT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
HUBG (@Other Transportation) experienced а -2.19% price change this week, while JBHT (@Other Transportation) price change was -3.15% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Other Transportation industry was +1.70%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.39%, and the average quarterly price growth was -32.78%.
Reported Earning Dates
HUBG is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
JBHT is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Other Transportation (+1.70% weekly)Other Transportation includes transportation services like providing airport ground transportation, airport management and equipment, shipping services, as well as businesses that operate bridges, expressways and other public services such as taxis and subways. Grupo Aero-pac, Corporacion America Airports S.A. and Matson, Inc. are some of the major companies operating in this space.
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HUBG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HUBG has been closely correlated with XPO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HUBG jumps, then XPO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HUBG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUBG | 100% | -1.94% | ||
| XPO - HUBG | 70% Closely correlated | -0.30% | ||
| LSTR - HUBG | 49% Loosely correlated | +2.39% | ||
| JBHT - HUBG | 46% Loosely correlated | +0.38% | ||
| CHRW - HUBG | 38% Loosely correlated | +3.73% | ||
| PAL - HUBG | 36% Loosely correlated | -0.34% | ||
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JBHT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, JBHT has been closely correlated with XPO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 68% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if JBHT jumps, then XPO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To JBHT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBHT | 100% | +0.38% | ||
| XPO - JBHT | 68% Closely correlated | -0.30% | ||
| LSTR - JBHT | 60% Loosely correlated | +2.39% | ||
| HUBG - JBHT | 46% Loosely correlated | -1.94% | ||
| UPS - JBHT | 45% Loosely correlated | -0.49% | ||
| RLGT - JBHT | 44% Loosely correlated | +0.53% | ||
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